Getachew Reda, the President of the Interim Administration of Tigray Region, said that it was the federal government’s duty and responsibility to hand over administrative boundaries of “South and West Tigray” to the region as per the Pretoria Peace Agreement. During his visit to North America, Getachew discussed the region’s current political situation with TPLF supporters, especially in Denver, Colorado.
Following the war in the region, the interim administration’s primary objective was to restore normalcy to the lives of the Tigray people. Getachew emphasized that this required returning the territory to its pre-war status, not just for territorial claims but to bring back those who suffered displacement and turmoil. He said Tigray has achieved a lot amidst challenges and conflict. “We need to have a modicum of autonomy under Ethiopian autonomy,” he said.
“The federal government has the duty and responsibility to release the forces controlling the administrative boundaries of southern and western Tigray and hand them over to the region,” said Getachew. He acknowledged that the progress in restoring administrative boundaries might not be as swift as desired but stated that they would persist in pursuing the provisions of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. He also noted that the federal government is disarming Amhara forces.
He said the focus was on preventing further young men from being drawn into the conflict. While the struggle for Tigray’s rights and self-governance continues, Getachew stressed the importance of separating the party and the government to foster a peaceful democratic political environment in the region.
The administration remains committed to the principles of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and will continue working responsibly to protect the interests of Tigray, aiming to minimize human suffering and striving for the region’s rightful place.
Getachew reassured the audience that the pursuit of a better future for Tigray will persist, adapting to changing circumstances but never ceasing.
